8:16 pm

Mon May 4, 2009

Green Tip 32--Heal Yourself, Heal The Earth

At the onset of a New Year people tend to reflect and reprioritize. Many people will focus on their personal health. The next few green tips will detail changes that can be made inside and outside of homes and businesses to improve personal health and the environment. I always say, "The health of the environment is inextricably linked to personal health." If the environment is sick, humans can get sick. With the rising costs of healthcare, more people using medications and the increase in childhood diseases and illnesses such as diabetes, asthma, allergies and autism, it is important for people to be preventative and to do what is in their control to stay healthy. A motto for my business is "Heal Yourself, Heal The Earth". What this means is that when you are making healthy choices for your body, there's a great chance that you are making a positive impact on the environment as well.

The Earth is a giant sponge. The air, soil, plants and waterways (streams, rivers, ponds, lakes and oceans) try to soak up what we flush down our drains, spew out of our vehicles (cars, trucks, trains, planes and boats), and release from our manufacturing processes. The Earth used to be able to absorb what we dished out, but not anymore. Much of our planet has become saturated. Why can't the Earth take anymore? Well, the primary reasons are:

1. Over the past 50 years or so there has been an increase in the types and amounts of chemicals used worldwide. 2. Unfortunately, along with this increased use of chemicals worldwide, the regulations and guidelines have been too lax. 3. An increase in worldwide consumption has caused more pollution. Remember that each time anything is made or produced pollution is the byproduct. 4. There has been an increase in worldwide industrialization building, development and infrastructure. With this come more emissions from more vehicles; more CO2 from heating and cooling structures; and loss of habitat and vegetation.

The Earth may be a giant sponge, but our human bodies are little sponges. We ingest, breath in and absorb chemicals from the food we eat, from the water we drink and from the air we breath. Our skin is porous and can absorb less than desirable chemicals as well. Where do these chemicals come from? They come from the pesticides and fertilizers used to grow our food. They come from the household cleaners and agents we use to clean and freshen up our home and office environments. They come from ingredients in our body care products. They come from the chemicals used to control pests in and out of our homes. They come from the lawn treatments we use to keep our lawns picture perfect. Sure, they come from other sources as well, but the next few articles are going to focus on what individuals have control of things in and around their homes and businesses. What's deceiving is that we don't see most chemicals, so we think "out of sight, out of mind". Unfortunately, this is not always the case. When we make wiser, cleaner and more natural choices in our lives, we can help to heal our bodies and heal the environment.